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This is the WFHB Local News for Tuesday, May 31st, 2022.
Later in the program, Big Talk producer Michael Glab speaks with Cole Nelson, a graduate student at the IU Media School and member of the Indiana Graduate Workers Coalition.
More in today’s feature report.
Also coming up in the next half hour, we have some recent prison-related news and announcements from the producers of Kite Line – our public affairs program devoted to prison issues in the Midwest and beyond. But first, your local headlines.
Bloomington City Council
On May 25th, the Bloomington City Council Committee of the Whole discussed a request to vacate an alley segment downtown. Senior Zoning Planner, Eric Greulich, presented on the development of the Johnson Creamery, and shared the site plans of the Petitioner and Founder of Peerless Development, Michael Cordaro.
Corporation Counsel Beth Cate said that in exchange for the Right of Way vacation, the Corporation Council recommends the council ask Peerless Development to provide a few things in return.
Cate outlined the reasons the administration is recommending that they ask Peerless for the funds to make a public art installation to commemorate the Johnson Creamery Smokestack.
Cate explained that to vacate a public parcel the decision must be made with the public interest in mind. Petitioner Michael Cordaro spoke saying that Peerless Development does not have the additional funds to meet the demands that Cate suggested.
The council will hold an official vote on the alley vacation request at their next meeting on June 1st.
Monroe County Commissioners
At the Monroe County Commissioners meeting on May 25th, Board of Health Director Penny Caudill said that the county is currently at a low level of community spread. She noted that the rate of transmission is relatively high but the number of hospitalizations has remained low. Caudill also said that there has been an increase in Covid-19 vaccinations.
Caudill also addressed monkeypox, and the public health issue of gun violence.
Highway and Transportation Director Lisa Ridge asked the commissioners to approve a matching grant with INdot for Highway Paving Projects.
Commissioner Penny Githens commented on Ridge’s work to make the repaving of the roads more routine.
Ridge responded saying that they take a lot of factors into account to predict when roads will need to be repaved, however, weather conditions like freezing and thawing can adjust the plans.
The commissioners approved the matching grant unanimously.
The commissioners also approved three other Highway paving projects presented by Ridge.
During Public Comment Monroe County resident Travis Spearbock asked Ridge if the work being done on Lynch Road was going to patch up potholes or if they would be doing a full paving project.
Ridge said that they are doing prep work now, but will be doing a full paving job on the road.
The next commissioners meeting will be held on June 1st.
Feature Reports:
Up next, we have some recent prison-related news and announcements from the producers of Kite Line – our public affairs program devoted to prison issues in the Midwest and beyond. Kite Line airs each Friday at 5:30 p.m. on WFHB. The program is available online or wherever you get your podcasts.
In today’s feature report, Big Talk producer Michael Glab speaks with Cole Nelson, a graduate student at the IU Media School and member of the Indiana Graduate Workers Coalition. Nelson talks about the life of a paid grad student and his wish for the union to be recognized. We turn now to that interview.
Credits:
You’ve been listening to the WFHB Local News,
Today’s headlines were written by Noelle Herhusky-Schneider, in partnership with Cats – Community Access Television Services.
Our feature was produced by Michael Glab.
Our theme music is provided by Mark Bingham and the Social Climbers.
Engineer and Executive producer is Kade Young.
